A neuropsychological evaluation is requested when there is a concern that an individual has experienced a change in thinking, behavior, or personality. This concern may be from the individual, their family, or their medical providers. 

In general, a neuropsychological evaluation consists of three parts:

• Review of medical and mental health records
• Clinical interview with the patient and their family or friends
• Paper-and-pencil tests that evaluate how different parts of the brain are functioning

Changes in thinking, personality, and behavior can occur for many reasons. Neuropsychologists see patients who have experienced a wide range of conditions, including (and not limited to):

• Suspected neurological disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)
• Cerebrovascular disease / stroke
• Concussion / brain injury
• Memory changes
• Movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., Hashimoto’s disease)
• ADHD
• Learning difficulties
• Chronic pain
• Sleep issues (insomnia, sleep apnea)
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety / Panic

While there is variability, neuropsychological evaluations typically last between 3 to 4 hours. First, Dr. Kiely conducts a clinical interview with you and your loved one(s) to obtain a detailed history about your presenting concern; this part will take 1 hour. In the remaining time, Dr. Kiely will work with you individually and administer a battery of tests. These tests are standardized and sensitive to different aspects of your thinking. The tests are largely paper-and-pencil in nature, but can be administered orally or with the use of  a computer.

Following the appointment, Dr. Kiely will write a comprehensive report summarizing the results of the evaluation, and will include information regarding diagnoses (if applicable) and recommendations based on those results. A separate one-hour appointment can be conducted where the results of the report are reviewed in-person, often referred to as a “feedback session,” at which point all of your questions can be addressed. You will be provided with a copy of the report and, with your consent, additional copies will be provided to whomever you like.

For assessment appointments, please cancel within 48 hours prior your scheduled appointment so a patient on the wait list can have the opportunity to be seen during your appointment time. Typically, only one assessment patient can be seen per day, and last-minute cancellations have a significant impact on the clinic's workflow. 

For therapy appointments, cancellation must occur within 24 hours. 

Cancellations that occur outside of those timeframes will be charged a fee equal to ONE hour of the hourly rate. This fee is not covered under insurance. 

There are a variety of factors that contribute to length of treatment including the nature of the presenting problem and the duration of symptoms, along with other client factors such as motivation, adherence, and effort. Dr. Kiely, however, only utilizes effective evidence-based treatment. As such, clients often experience at least some symptom relief within a few sessions.

Typically sessions run 50 minutes in length and clients are generally seen on a weekly basis. On occasion, however, some clients may benefit by  attend sessions more frequently during the week. This will be determined by you and Dr. Kiely when discussing your individualized treatment plan and therapeutic goals.

Since neuropsychological evaluations can last very long,  Dr. Kiely has somewhat limited availability for therapy patients. He appreciates, however, that people living in the Bay Area have very busy lives and, as such, Dr. Kiely has reserved therapy appointments to occur before and after school/work. 

For therapy appointments, cancellation must occur within 24 hours. 

Cancellations that occur outside of those timeframes will be charged a fee equal to ONE hour of the hourly rate. This fee is not covered under insurance.